Manny Caulk vigil 12.11.20

Bobbi McSwine takes us to the public vigil for Fayette County Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk

Vigil tonight for fayette county's late school superintendent manny caulk...who died a week ago today at the age of 49...just days after going on medical leave.

The vigil...made more special because of who organized it.

Abc 36's bobbi mcswine takes you there.

Music a somber evening outside fayette county schools' old central office building...as the community gathered for a candlelight vigil in honor of superintendant manny caulk.

People were encouraged to write cards...lay flowers...and candles..

As several shared their memories.

"he was one of the first people to ever see something in me, and push me to believe i can do anything in this world."

The vigil was organized by students...one being lafayette high school senior micheline karenga she says she met caulk through the district's student voice team...and he encouraged her to speak up...even though she thought no one wanted to hear what she had to say.

Micheline karenga: "i spoke up and people were surprised.

The whole point of that - he taught me that i can't be silenced and my voice matters and that will always mean something to me."

Another organizer...caitlin deffandall...says this year has been tough on everyone...and she hopes this public way of saying goodbye will help her classmates heal.

Caitlin deffendall: "i just tried to reach out to as many friends as i could.

Doing this, i think helps them focus their energy into something positive."

Kimberly chandler works for the school district...and says caulk was always student- oriented...and wanted what was best for them at all times.

With caulk's family behind her...chandler shared this message.

Kimberly chandler: "thank the family for sharing him.and i would just ask for support to our students and our faculty."

"we have such an amazing support system of teachers and so many people.

We will get through this no matter what."

In lexington...bobbi mcswine...abc 36 news.

###### the visitation and funeral is tomorrow.

Due to covid-19 restrictions...the visitation is a drive-thru from nine unitl noon at first baptist church, bracktown.

A celebration of life funeral will also be held at the church at one..which is for family only in- person...but the service will be streamed 'live' for the public on vimeo, youtube and